What should you do if a cat ate a poisoned mouse? - briefly
Contact a veterinarian or emergency animal clinic right away and follow their guidance, which may involve bringing the mouse for identification and, if they recommend, inducing vomiting with a safe agent. Do not administer human antidotes or home remedies; watch the cat for symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, or lethargy and seek professional care promptly.
What should you do if a cat ate a poisoned mouse? - in detail
If a feline ingests a rodent laced with toxin, immediate action can prevent serious harm.
First, assess the situation. Note the type of poison (anticoagulant, neurotoxin, bromethalin, etc.) if known from the bait label or packaging. Record the time of ingestion and any observable symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, tremors, or difficulty breathing.
Next, contact a veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control hotline without delay. Provide the cat’s weight, age, breed, and the details gathered about the poison. Follow the professional’s instructions precisely; they may advise induced vomiting, administration of activated charcoal, or immediate transport to a clinic.
If instructed to induce vomiting and the ingestion occurred within two hours, use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution (1 ml per kilogram of body weight, not exceeding 30 ml). Administer orally using a syringe, then allow the cat to vomit naturally. Do not attempt this if the poison is a caustic or corrosive substance, or if the cat is unconscious or showing seizures.
After vomiting, if activated charcoal is recommended, give the appropriate dose (typically 1–2 g per kilogram of body weight) mixed with water. Charcoal binds many toxins and reduces absorption.
Regardless of home measures, transport the animal to a veterinary facility promptly. Bring the poison container or any remaining bait for identification. The clinic may initiate intravenous fluids, vitamin K1 therapy for anticoagulant exposure, antitoxin serum for specific toxins, or supportive care such as oxygen and seizure control.
Monitor the cat continuously for delayed signs. Even if initial symptoms are absent, toxicity can develop hours later. Keep the pet isolated from other animals and ensure no further access to contaminated prey.
Finally, prevent recurrence by securing all rodenticides in tamper‑proof containers, using bait stations inaccessible to pets, or opting for non‑chemical rodent control methods. Regular veterinary check‑ups can detect early organ damage from accidental exposure.